Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in TISSÉ VENDÔME

As all beauty aficionados know by now, Chanel had introduced a new line of Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadows ($61). They can be differentiated from the other quads on Chanel's Web site by the circular presentation of each shadow.

Each palette of four eye shadows features the most advanced innovation to enhance creativity. Its optimized formula unites softness and easy application to express maximum color - consistent and  luminous all day long. The shades come in a variety of effects: matte, satiny, iridescent, and metallic. Each is protected by a practical and portable black lacquered case with a large mirror.

These new eye shadows blend endlessly to define natural, intense, sophisticated, or smoky eyes - whatever your choice. The bullet points below come from Chanel's description of these new beauties.

• An exceptional concentration of long-lasting pure pigments for a wider range of effects and intensities 
• A jellifying system and a blend of polymers and spherical powders for:
• a soft, creamy, glide-on texture 
• shades that blend together perfectly
• an even makeup result
• A new manufacturing process for easy application and immediately intense coverage 
• A total absence of talc for heightened color radiance and luminosity 
• Synthetic mica to ensure consistency between the colors in the case and the makeup result on the eyelids 
• Ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers

After playing with them and wearing them, I can verify that there are significant differences in the new formula. I love it. It's not powdery. The shadows even seem to be creamy. I also find that I can over-apply the shades and still not have to take away. They apply lightly and sheerly, making it easy to add more color if you want it.

TISSÉ VENDÔME (#204) is shown above. My photos were taken in full, early-afternoon sun. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the shades to my arm, starting in the upper left with the taupe and moving clockwise to the stunning peach at the lower left.

I am smitten with all four colors in TISSÉ VENDÔME. The taupe at the top of my arm has a very warm tone that's perfect for summer.  Although the ivory flesh tone almost disappears into my arm, it's a perfect base or highlighting shade on the eyelids.

When I first opened the compact, I feared the dark brown would be too dark (given its appearance in the compact). It isn't. It's a nice chocolate brown. The shimmering peach, orange, apricot, or however you see it, is magnificent. It draws attention to the eyes and magnifies their color. Additionally, it complements all of the other shades extremely well.

I purchased four of the quads from Chanel's Web site. They are winging their way to all Chanel counters and online retailers now. Make sure to go see them as soon as you can.

Photo at top courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - July 11

I can't wait to start taking swatch photos this weekend. I hope the sky looks this blue.

After going through months of doctor's visits, x-rays, and physical therapy, my orthopedic surgeon  (supposedly one of the best in the area) has definitely determined that he needs to re-operate on my left knee. He believes the prosethic has come loose. Oh joy!

I asked him if the second surgery would be as "bad" as the first, and because he doesn't have to cut into any more bone, he believes the answer is no. Of course, he is the man who told me I'd be back to work in two weeks after the first replacement.

I'm fairly depressed about this situation. Bionic knees are supposed to last at least 20 years. Mine made it to 3.5 years - and we have no idea what caused it to loosen.

On to happier subjects, it's time for our weekend sharing, the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Photo courtesy of flickfolospher.com

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow Introduction

My new camera body arrived today. I rushed to move my lens from the old camera to the new one, even knowing that we had more clouds than sun. I quickly ran outside and snapped one photograph before I had to dash off to physical therapy. I have all of my new Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadows - at least the four I ordered first. I suspect I'll end up purchasing more.

Chanel has debuted an expanded shade wardrobe of vibrant, versatile palettes for elegant eyes. Each easy-to-wear compact offers endless possibilities, with two medium tones to color and contour, a deep shadow to intensify, and a light shade to highlight.

When I got home from work today, I had less than 15 minutes reassemble my camera and take a photograph, so I selected the quad that makes my heart race the fastest: TISSÉ VENITIEN, the beauty shown above. I did not have time to swatch it. That may have to wait for Saturday.

I love greens, so I'm enchanted by this one. If you check out this link, you can see all nine new quads as well as a short video. Need help? Call Saks Chevy Chase at (240) 497-5363 or Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

As soon as I can get some time off from work that coincides with sunshine, I'll be swatching up a storm.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

NEST Fragrances Lemongrass & Ginger Home Fragrance Collection

NEST Fragrances has a new Home Fragrance Collection, Lemongrass & Ginger. When I first saw it at Facebook, I had an immediate sensory reaction: Asian food. I had no idea whether I would like that combination in a home fragrance, even though I love both ingredients in food. I was confused.

Then, last week, I received a sampling of the products from NEST as a gift. Was I excited as I unpacked the box! I could smell the most divine scent emanating through the packing peanuts. I had a July 4 present - and was I happy! Many thanks to PR for thinking of me.

In addition to lemongrass and ginger, NEST added an herbal infusion of eucalyptus, thyme, and sage to the blend. It is fresh and clean. The overall effect is citrus, but it has a slight earthy side to remind us that the notes - the central ingredients - all grew from the earth (and some are adored by wild bunnies).

I have burned the Lemongrass & Ginger Classic Candle ($34) in the collection for a short time so far. I have to be careful because curious Charlie could possibly tip a burning candle over - even though it's heavy and bottom-centered. He's a muscular furboy. So I stay in the room in which the candle is burning.

I was sitting in my bedroom reading a Kindle book and enjoying the freshness of the candle, which was invigorating and actually the only thing keeping me awake. I'll tell you about the book sometime. It should have been interesting since it was related to beauty over 50, but it was a dud (in my humble opinion). The candle gave me an opportunity to revel in a daydream of foreign lands and exotic fragrances.

I have to admit I haven't used the Lemongrass & Ginger Reed Diffuser ($38) yet. I adore NEST's diffusers, but I think my mother adores them just as much. I'll have to decide whether I'm generous enough to give it to her. She has an advantage: my love for her. Her age trumps me too. I did take a sneak whiff of the diffuser and had a transporting moment. I can always buy one for me and give Mom my gift. Right?

Now, I have to share that I live with NEST's Liquid Soap ($22). I have one in the bathroom, one in the powder room, and one in the kitchen at all times. I rotate through the various scents because I love all of them. I'll also tell you about one of my little secrets. Occasionally, NEST has special discount offers (some through magazines, e.g., Lucky), and I always stock up when that happens. I'd pay full price, but I love discounts. Make sure to follow NEST on Facebook, where you may learn about special offers.

The new Lemongrass & Ginger Liquid Soap is currently residing in my kitchen. I moved the Sicilian  Tangerine that had been there upstairs to the bathroom because my Moss & Mint had hit bottom. Lemongrass & Ginger is a perfect scent for a kitchen soap. I wash my hands frequently, and the fresh scent is perfect for food preparation. Suddenly, opening cat food just became more pleasurable. I can clean up the bits that stuck to my hands with Lemongrass & Ginger.

I have always been a huge fan of home fragrance. I think it's a necessity of life, not just a luxury. Once I discovered NEST (I had known Laura Slatkin's earlier brand), I had an abundance of choices. By rotating them, I've always have a new scent in my life - even if it might have passed through a year before. Then, with new introductions a few times every year, I'm always happy with the way my house smells - and looks. NEST's products are elegant and enhance the decor, no matter where they are placed.

My next in the rotation? Beach. It's perfect for this time of year. Beach captures the essence of sparkling turquoise water and lush coconut married with juicy melon and a luminous base of lotus flower and sensual woods. It's divine. There is a Beach Room Spray that I could purchase to instantly turn my house into an oceanfront paradise. It will be perfect for August.

You can find the new Lemongrass & Ginger Collection at NEST Fragrances' Web site, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and select Nordstrom stores. Take a look and let us know what you think of Lemongrass & Ginger. You may end up as devoted as I've quickly become.

Photos courtesy of NEST Fragrances

Camera Disaster

I have a lot of nice, brand new makeup to show you and a broken camera. Basically, the memory card had to be "forced out" of it, I don't know why, and now I am looking for a quick repair site. The closest one seems to be in Connecticut!

I will have to send it off to be fixed. In the meantime, I need to find the spare camera I purchased not too long ago and get it all fired up. I had set it aside for safekeeping - real safe, apparently. I'm hoping to do that tomorrow.

For now, I'll sign off since we have a wicked storm raging. I could lose my power at any minute. Oh joy!

Update 7/9: I ordered a new camera body this morning, along with overnight shipping, so it should arrive tomorrow. Then I will be able to send off my existing camera body for repair and not worry about urgent and more costly service. We played with it at the hardware store yesterday, and, despite the fact that the guy helping me thinks the "metal sticking out" is normal, I don't. I have tried to talk to Panasonic, but you really can't. Customer Technical Service means you can talk to someone who will tell you how to send it back. Argh!

Photo courtesy of thesundaytimes.co.uk

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm - Three Shades

I decided it was time to invest in some "new" Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Balms ($17). Yes, there was a nice GWP. First featured here in February 2013, I was ready for some new shades. You can translate that to mean I love them.

These lip pencils provide a soft cushion of color that's not quite opaque, but close. Let's call them semi-opaque - not too intense, not at all wimpy. Loaded with mango and shea butters, these wonderful sticks will make your lips pop with color and feel comfortably soft and smooth. I selected three shades - two of which are new to me and one that's a repeat because my original is worn to a nub.

My new purchases are shown below. In left to right order, they are Curviest Caramel (#01) shown above and below at left; Chunkiest Chili (#02), shown in the middle below; and Broadest Berry (#07) - a repeat purchase. Berry shades and I have a "thing."

Sorry the sun chose to focus on those shiny silver bases. It left the tubes slightly out of focus, but I think I made up for it with swatches, which I swatched in numerical order, starting with #01 at the op of my arm and ending with #07, my repeat fave.

I took my photos in full, mid-afternoon sunshine. I applied each shade moderately - not too light, not too heavily. As you can see at the top of my arm, Curviest Caramel, which is characterized as a nude, is really a warm pink "on the nude side." It's a perfect color for me; I don't look very good in beige lip colors. I need for them to lean toward pink or peach.

Chunkiest Chili, in the middle, was an experiment. I will admit I wasn't sure if it was a good shade for me. Also characterized as nude (a misnomer, I think), it is a very warm rose. It's actually quite flattering, so I guessed well. I won't claim to have planned its lovely look.

I'm still in love with Broadest Berry, show at the bottom above. Categorized as violet, I'd call it a berry shade - something like wild raspberry. It's lovely on the lips, adding a vivid color that's believable.

Loaded with mango and shea buttersl these lip pencils make my lips feel comfortably soft and smooth. They are great for throwing in my purse for color on the go. The price at $17 is a steal. I know that many of you have expressed your preference to spend your money anywhere but Clinique. There is some perception that Clinique is for kids. I don't agree. I see Clinique as being the same as its Estée Lauder "cousins." It's well known that beauty companies tweak very little from line to line when they introduce new products. I like to think of Clinique as being the bargain of the family.

I purchased my new Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms from the Clinique Web site. You can find them at every retailer - in store and online - that offers Clinique products.

P.S. I had planned to publish this feature today, before my feed e-mail went out. I'm sorry I didn't make it. Work or fatigue can get in my way. Today it was work. 

Photo at top courtesy of Clinique; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

M∙A∙C Pedro Lourenço Cream Colour Base in Hush

Brazilian fashion designer Pedro Lourenço continues to enchant the fashion world with his couture-like sensibility and meticulous attention to detail. The child of fashion designers, Lourenço grew up in São Paulo and has been designing since the early age of 12. M·A·C’s collaboration brings his unique elegance to a color collection that emulates the same delicate balance he achieves in his design work. Daring, saturated hues are juxtaposed against soft, frosted nudes, all encased in limited-edition, black packaging with a chic, velvet finish.

As I mentioned in another feature, I had a spell when I couldn't get photographs.  Either it was raining after work or I was at physical therapy...or something. So, this Cream Colour Base ($22), which I find glorious, is no longer available at the M∙A∙C Web site (see update below). I'm sorry. If I'm going to keep this blog rolling, I will have to set up a photo studio. I'm hoping you will be able to find this item - along with the other I purchased - at a M∙A∙C counter or boutique. That is often the case.

Versatile and multi-purpose, the limited-edition Cream Colour Base in the soft peach of Hush can be applied directly to bare skin or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder. Apply it with a brush, a sponge, or your fingers. I've been using my fingers for fast and even application. 

Although it's a perfect "base," I love wearing it on days when I'm in a hurry, need a little color on my eyelids, and want to swipe and go. The light peachy cream shade gleams, focusing attention on my eyes.

For my swatch here, I applied it with a sponge-tipped applicator (to get even lines) and took my photos in full, mid-afternoon sun. Isn't this gentle peach color gorgeous?

It is very creamy on application, making it easy to apply.Once it sets, it stays put. I have used it as an eye shadow and played with it as a highlighter. It's too bad M∙A∙C offered it in only this shade. I like it so much, I might have tossed my recent frugal rule and ordered one of each.

If you love cream products for the face, see if you can find Cream Colour Base in Hush. It will be worth the hunt. I see that the Powder Blush Duo I purchased is also sold out online. What a shame!

Update: See Sara's comment. Hush is a permanent shade. The only difference with this Pedro Lourenço product is that I paid $2 more for his name on the case. I'm kind of annoyed with M∙A∙C, a company I clearly don't know well. I'm happy you can purchase Hush, but annoyed that M∙A∙C would include a standard product in a special edition collection. Thanks, Sara!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty